Oh Hell!

Oh Hell!

Card Game
Players
3-7
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
5 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
30 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.7 / 5
Year
1930

About the game

Oh Hell! is a classic trick-taking card game where the twist is precision, not just winning tricks. Each round, players bid exactly how many tricks they think they'll take, then must hit that number exactly to score points: no more, no fewer. Because the total bids across the table rarely match the actual number of tricks available, someone is guaranteed to miss every hand, adding delicious tension to every round. It's a fast, sharp classic dating back nearly a century, playable with 3 to 7 players in about 30 minutes.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli loves Oh Hell! as a go-to classic: it's the kind of game that rewards sharp counting and nerve without needing any special equipment beyond a standard deck. The bidding mechanic keeps every hand tense, since you're constantly weighing your own bid against what everyone else might be gunning for. It's simple enough to teach in minutes but has enough bite to stay engaging for experienced card players. A timeless pick for regular card nights.

What we like

  • Simple rules that are easy to teach with just a standard deck.
  • Sharp bidding tension since not everyone can hit their bid.
  • Scales smoothly from 3 up to 7 players.
  • Quick 30-minute rounds fit easily into any evening.
  • A timeless, endlessly replayable trick-taking classic.

Keep in mind

  • Luck of the deal has a real impact on individual hands.
  • New players may need a few rounds to grasp effective bidding.
  • Minimal thematic flavor compared to modern card games.
  • Player interaction is mostly indirect through bidding and card play.

Who it's for

Great for card game enthusiasts and family groups who enjoy bidding and trick-taking, ages 10 and up, in groups of 3-7.

Mechanics

Auction / BiddingTrick-taking

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